Thin skin, big heart.
This is my seventh Levenger pen, and though I am typically smitten with the construction of each one in my collection, the rubberized coating on the TruGrip makes this one for your pen case rather than for the blank page - which is a real shame. While it writes like a dream and is incredibly comfortable to hold, the skin is not up to snuff. My current TruGrip fountain is actually a replacement for the first one I purchased, which showed scratches and mars on its surface after a single day clipped to the lip of my inside jacket pocket. The second lasted a few weeks longer just sitting on my desk, but daily use has revealed two tears in the black coating, which shows the silver of the barrel underneath. I would suggest that Levenger have a look at the early black Lamy Studios, which also had a rubberized coating; theirs does not scratch or flake at all, even under vigorous use. I would call their very helpful customer service again, but I fear the same thing would continue to happen, and I'm not ready to let go of this fragile gem for good, imperfections or not.
August 19, 2011

Very delicate and fragile finish
I had this pen for about two months. I ordered it with monogram. When I received it, I was very satisfied with the way it looked and feel of the black lacquer finish, but I noticed the monogram was done in gold instead of silver. When you order monogram there was no options on the color of monogram. I would like to think Levenger should know better to use silver for the monogram when the pen is in black and polished chrome. Also, I noticed the lacquer finish got damaged around the letters. I called in to report the damages. Also, during last 2 months of use, the lacquer finishes came off around the pen’s edges at the front end of the pen. However, the pen has very solid feel and writes very good. I gave 3 stars for the delicate lacquer finish.
June 25, 2011

Solid writing instrument
The grippy surface of this solidly made pen is perfect- not slick, but not too grippy and sticky to easily slip into a pocket. The stout clip will hold up well to extended use. Nice, easy feel and smooth writing in this no-frills but well made fountain pen.
May 26, 2011

This is Levenger's best value in pens
I've bought quite a number of pens from Levenger over the years, but this is unquestionably the best value of any of them. It looks, feels, and writes like a much more expensive pen. It's become my daily pen of choice and I simply love it.
April 16, 2011